1.

5 Order of Magnitude

Approximation based on a number of

assumptions

may need to modify assumptions if more precise

results are needed

Order of magnitude is the power of 10 that

applies

Order of Magnitude Process

Estimate a number and express it in scientific

notation

The multiplier of the power of 10 needs to be between 1

and 10

Divide the number by the power of 10

Compare the remaining value to 3.162 ( 10 )

If the remainder is less than 3.162, the order of magnitude

is the power of 10 in the scientific notation
If the remainder is greater than 3.162, the order of
magnitude is one more than the power of 10 in the
scientific notation

Example

Using Order of Magnitude

Estimating too high for one number is often

canceled by estimating too low for another
number

The resulting order of magnitude is generally

reliable within about a factor of 10

Working the problem allows you to drop

digits, make reasonable approximations and
simplify approximations
With practice, your results will become better
and better

Eg 1.5.1

Eg 1.5.2

Eg 1.5.3